Highway Patrol DWI Arrests June 29-30

Becky N. Asbury, 32, Lampe, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Rusty P. Pack, 39, Wentworth, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated with persons less than 17 in the vehicle

Juan F. Ramirez Garcia, 20, Merriam Woods, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance

Nicholas J. Damron, 24, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, speeding, misdemeanor resisting arrest, driving while revoked, failure to register motor vehicle, no helmet

Bruce A. Miller, 68, Blue Eye, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway resulting in an accident, driving while suspended

Matthew A. Robinson, 39, Eldridge, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident, no seat belt

Tiffany L. Gast, 31, Nixa, felony driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain single lane, no insurance, driving while revoked, no seat belt








Bradley T. Konrad, 27, Nixa, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated with person under 17 in the vehicle, driving while suspended, failure to register

Joseph W. McNally, 35, Joplin, Jasper County misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on no insurance, failure to register vehicle and no seat belt

James S. Hovey, 33, Shawnee, Kansas, misdemeanor boating while intoxicated, excessive idle speed in no wake zone, operating vessel without boater safety card

William G. Leach, 21, Southwest City, McDonald County misdemeanor warrant for passing bad checks

Steven D. Brown, 37, Hamilton, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Alexandra E. Burger, 31, Cameron, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Crystal M. Miller, 35, Cameron, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Seth D. Franklin, 23, Neosho, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Ryver Franklin, 25, Neosho, misdemeanor possession of marijuana








Megan K. Hatcher, 30, Neosho, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Jacob L. Martin, 20, Joplin, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Derione K. Braswell, 25, Kansas City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to display valid plates

Clint R. Howard, 29, Amazonia, misdemeanor possession of synthetic marijuana

David A. Kretzer, 60, St. Joseph, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Katelyn N. Stracke, 24, Springfield, misdemeanor possession of aynthetic marijuana

Ozark man killed in crash on 13

An Ozark man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 6:26 p.m. Saturday on MO 13, three miles north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Honda Ridgeline driven by Bryan T. Clark, 49, Ozark, ran off the roadway and struck a rock bluff.







Clark was pronounced dead by Dr. Robert Johnson, Jr., at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, at 7:32 p.m.

The fatality was the 46th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 28-29

Bobby L. Newman, 27, Bolivar, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid plates, no seat belt

Colton D. Anderson, 18, Carthage, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Lagan D. Anderson, 19, Carthage misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Matthew L. Cline, 39, Marshfield, felony driving while intoxicated








Wyatt A. Swank, 23, Gravette, Arkansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Dillon L. Yates, 25, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving, no driver's license

John W. Ross, 69, Nixa, boating while intoxicated, bow riding, insufficient life jackets on vessel

Fred F. Lerche, 51, Springfield, misdemeanor Polk County warrant for failure to display plates

Springfield landfill fees increasing July 1

(From the City of Springfield)

The City’s Department of Environmental Services will increase the tipping fees at the Springfield Sanitary Landfill from $30.94 per ton to $32.18 per ton, a 4% increase. There will be no increase on the $20 minimum charge for individual small vehicles at this time, however, the $20 minimum will cover approximately the first 1,250 pounds of disposal, with additional tonnage charged at the rate of $32.18 per ton.

The bagged products sold at the recycling centers have increased in price from $3 per bag for Mopost to $4 per bag. Momulch has increased in price from $2 per bag to $3 per bag.

“The purpose of the fee increases is to ensure that the City has adequate funding to continue to provide safe and reliable operation of these facilities, and to provide for the future closure and post-closure care of the Sanitary Landfill in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations,” said Superintendent of Solid Waste Erick Roberts.

As part of the annual budgeting process, City of Springfield departments review revenues and expenses for each area of operation within the City. If there are fees associated with the areas of operation, the City, if necessary, makes annual adjustments to these fees to ensure cost recovery.

City Council approved the fee increases at its Feb. 11, 2019 meeting as part of Council Bill 2019-019.

City of Springfield seeking feedback on transportation projects

(From the City of Springfield)

The City of Springfield is seeking feedback from citizens on the proposed list of new projects to be included in the upcoming future transportation sales tax renewal.

The tax is up for renewal by November 2020 and has a significant impact on the condition and efficiency of Springfield’s transportation system. 

This survey is open to anyone who lives, works or otherwise visits Springfield and uses the City transportation system.

The survey can be accessed at https://sgftransportation.questionpro.com/. Printed copies will be available next week at the Busch Municipal Building, 840 N. Boonville.

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

Roy Francis Smeya, Jr. and Vickie Sue Smeya
Kenneth Laverne Frame, Jr., and Hope Roxane Frame
Pamela Jane Copling

Dade County

Linda M. Lewis
Laci R. Stump

Greene County

Melvin D. Raines
Michael Raymond Gallagher
Joseph Wayne Alday
Russell William Boler
Richard Dale Swatkowski and Peggy Ann Swatkowski
Robert Lee Laudig
Paul Martin Burgess
Jennifer Suzanne Presley
Tianna Leigh Scott
Earl Duane Harper and Catherine Gail Harper
Katrina Ariell Bitner
Barbara Ellen Quin
James Joseph Zieske and Tammy Kocher Zieske






Suzanne Nannette McClure
Daniel Roman Krzak
Christina Marie Armstrong
Samantha Angela Madden
John Leslie Keene
Eric Tyler Stidham
Dennis Tyrone Gillis
Stephanie Renee Phillips
William Lynn Bennett and Kelsey L. Bennett
Mary Therese Sorg
Anthony Daniel Tamboury and Amanda Rae Crawford
Robinne Lyn Morgan
William Henry Winter and Barbara Jo Winter
David Lynn Hampton and Sarah Mae Hampton

Laclede County

James Robert Hatmon and Cindy Jane Hatmon
Cheryl Ann Johnson

Polk County

Dennis Gene Davis
Holly A. Mitchell

Taney County

Sandra Lee Vermass
Gregory Lee Fuller
Steven Joseph Baldridge and Melissa Amy Baldridge
Tina Louise Wilkinson

Texas County

Dale Hicks


Webster County

Pamala Jane Palmer
Keith O. St. George and Christine Lynn St. George







Wright County

Nathan Ryan Hull and Elizabeth Ann Hull
Jason Buck Trusty

Pulaski County

Erick Vincent Robinson
Carmen R. Calloway

Nine-year-old Marshfield boy seriously injured when 15-year-old driver accidentally backs over him

A nine-year-old Marshfield boy was taken to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, after he fell out of an open cargo compartment and was run over.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Katherine L. Turner, 15, Marshfield, was backing in a private doorway when Chet. L. Turner, 9, who was riding in the cargo compartment fell out of the open hatch and was struck by the vehicle as it continued backing.

Mt. Vernon man seriously injured, Miller man injured in head-on collision on 96

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle collision 19:41 a.m. today on MO 96, two miles south of Miller.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado driven by Shane M. Allen, 31, was passing another vehicle, when it struck a 2016 Nissan Titan driven by Jefrey L. Parnell, 50, mIller, head on.







Allen was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Parnell was treated for moderate injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 27-28

Steven G. Harter, 25, Pleasant Hope, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Dominick G. Clevenger, 18, Aurora, misdemanor driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway, minor visibly intoxicated, no seat belt

Stacey M. Hartin, 35, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, expired insurance, no front plate, illegal tint

Machael R. Glass, 47, Bloomfield, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, driving while suspended, driving while intoxicated, no insurance








Joshua M. Witt, 34, Ozark, felony receiving stolen property two counts,  misdemeanor identity theft four counts, failed to display valid plates, no valid driver's license, no seat belt

Jesse W. Worley, 25, Springfield, felony Taney County warrant for property damage

Austin Pendergrass, 23, Marshfield, felony resisting arrest by fleeing, felony assault on a law enforcement officer, felony Stone County warrant for parole violation (assault), felony Stone County warrant for parole violation (possession of methamphetamine), felony tampering with a motor vehicle, numerous traffic violations

Megan A. Cornman, 23, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, speeding

Driver examination stations to be closed July 4-5

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates:

Thursday, July 4, 2019, and Friday, July 5, 2019, in observance of Independence Day. Normal operations will resume on Monday, July 8, 2019.

Springfield Public Schools announces co-deputy superintendents of academics

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith and Dr. Kent Medlin to serve as Co-Deputy Superintendents of Academics, effective Aug. 1.

Dr. Kleinsmith and Dr. Medlin will serve in an interim, part-time capacity for the 2019-2020 school year, sharing oversight of elementary and secondary education, learning supports and innovation, and special education and English language learner supports. The search for a permanent Deputy Superintendent of Academics will begin later this fall following the recent departure of Dr. Mike Dawson, the district's Chief Learning Officer.

"Springfield Public Schools is incredibly fortunate to have these two exceptional leaders join our team," said Dr. John Jungmann. "Both Dr. Kleinsmith and Dr. Medlin are talented educators who lead with passion and integrity. I appreciate their willingness to serve in this capacity and I look forward to the progress we will make together over the coming months."

Dr. Kleinsmith was named Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators in 2018 and retired as superintendent of Nixa Public Schools in 2018 after serving the district for 18 years. His prior experience in education includes service as an administrator in the Millard and Omaha school districts in Nebraska, and in Sloan, Iowa. Dr. Kleinsmith currently serves as the director of school and community partnerships for Missouri State University. He completed his undergraduate education at Wayne State College in Nebraska, a Master of Science and a specialist degree in education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a doctorate in education from the University of South Dakota.

Dr. Medlin retired in 2017 after serving 13 years as superintendent of Willard School District. His career in education includes service to Springfield Public Schools as a chemistry teacher and administrator, as well as principal in the Lamar and Willard school districts. Following retirement, he worked as the director of operations for the Missouri Educators' Trust and as an education team facilitator for Paragon Architecture. Dr. Medlin received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in education from Missouri State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas.

"To be able to work for Springfield Public Schools in this capacity, even for just one school year, is truly an honor," said Dr. Kleinsmith. "It is my plan to do my best at providing the leadership and service necessary to show continuous improvement in the areas of academics and life skills to the patrons of the Springfield community. I welcome Superintendent Jungmann's high expectations that he has set for himself and others."

"I started my career in education driving a school bus for Springfield Public Schools in the mid-1980s," said Dr. Medlin. "That led to 10 years of service to SPS as a teacher, coach and administrator. There is something very special happening in Springfield Public Schools, and I am honored and excited to come back to my home district to serve students and staff once again."

Highway Patrol Arrests June 26-27

Christopher N. Williams, 37, Nixa, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to register motor vehicle

Sandy L. Samuel, 27, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, two misdemeanor McDonald County traffic warrants








Stacey J. So, 42, Rogersville, felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, failure to register vehicle

Colton L. Dawson, 22, Goodson, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt, speeding

Teen injured in tubing accident on Table Rock Lake

A Nashville teen was injured in a tubing accident 8:15 a.m. Tuesday at Point 19 on Table Rock Lake.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Timothy J. Maydewell, 16, was ejected from a towed ski tube. The boat was driven by Erica Holt, 21, Mayfield, Kentucky.

Maydewell was treated for minor injuries at Branson West Urgent Care.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 25-26

Tracy L. Mejia, 40, Fayetteville, Arkansas, misdemeanor McDonald County warrant for passing bad checks

Nancy R. Roepke, 57, Ridgedale, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane, no seat belt

Allen W. Carpenter, 34, Branson, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no valid license

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda
July 1, 2019  6:30 p.m.

Speakers must sign up with the City Clerk to speak to an issue on the agenda. Speakers are to limit their remarks to three to five minutes.

Note: Sponsorship does not denote Council member approval or support.

1.

ROLL CALL.

2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. June 3, 2019 And June 17, 2019 City Council Meetings, And June 18, 2019 And June 25, 2019 Special City Council Meetings.

3.

FINALIZATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDAS. CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK TO OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDAS MUST DO SO AT THIS TIME.

4.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

5.

CITY MANAGER REPORT AND RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT THE PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.

6.

SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On.

7.

Council Bill 2019-142. (Ollis, Hosmer, Lear, And McGull)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 58, ‘Health and Sanitation,’ by adopting Article XII, ‘Tobacco 21 Act,’ in order to prohibit the sale of tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, and vapor products to anyone under 21 years of age; and amending Chapter 78, ‘Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions,’ by amending Section 78-5, ‘Sale of tobacco products to persons under 18 years of age,’ Section 78-6, ‘Sale of tobacco products through vending machines,’ and Section 78-7, ‘Packaging of tobacco products; distribution of free samples; manner of display and sale,” and moving said sections to Chapter 58 as part of the Tobacco 21 Act. (Recommended by Plans and Policies Committee.)

Documents:

1. 2019-142.PDF

8.

Council Bill 2019-143. (Ollis, Hosmer, Lear, And McGull)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 78, ‘Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions’, by repealing Section 78-8, ‘Purchase or possession of tobacco products by persons under 18 years of age.’ (Recommended by Plans and Policies Committee.)

Documents:

1. 2019-143.PDF

9.

Council Bill 2019-144. (Simpson)

A special ordinance approving the sale of real property generally located at 1809 East Crestview Street to Lacknothing Homes, LLC, for $71,500.00; and authorizing the issuance of a deed for same.

Documents:

1. 2019-144.PDF

10.

Council Bill 2019-145. (Simpson)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for Channel Improvements – East Woodgate Avenue; accepting the alternate bid of Hunter Chase & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $147,774.26, for the project; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with such bidder.

Documents:

1. 2019-145.PDF

11.

Council Bill 2019-146. (Simpson)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for Stormwater Improvements Ravenwood Phase II; accepting the bid of Hunter Chase & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $767,712.00, for the project; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with such bidder.

Documents:

1. 2019-146.PDF

12.

RESOLUTIONS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On. Council Bill 2019-141 Was Tabled At The June 17, 2019 City Council Meeting To The July 1, 2019 City Council Meeting.

13.

Council Bill 2019-141. Substitute No. 1. (McClure)

A resolution initiating amendments to the Springfield Land Development Code for the purpose of considering the procedures regarding the designation of Historic Sites, Historic Landmarks, Interior Landmarks, and Historic Districts and any additional amendments in Sections 36-353 and 36-404 which may be beneficial for City Council’s consideration; and directing the City Manager, or his designee, to prepare said amendments.

Documents:

1. 2019-141S1.PDF

14.

Council Bill 2019-141. (McClure) Tabled At The June 17, 2019 City Council Meeting To The July 1, 2019 City Council Meeting.

A resolution initiating amendments to the Springfield Land Development Code to consider adding a requirement for owner consent or involvement on the designation of Historic Sites, Historic Landmarks, Interior Landmarks and Historic Districts.

Documents:

1. 2019-141.PDF

15.

Council Bill 2019-152. (McGull)

A resolution granting a Short-Term Rental Type 2 Permit for the property generally located at 438 South Weller Avenue, for the purpose of allowing the establishment of a Short-Term Rental Type 2 pursuant to General Ordinance 6497.

Documents:

1. 2019-152.PDF

16.

Council Bill 2019-153. (McGull)

A resolution granting a Short-Term Rental Type 2 Permit for the property generally located at 725 South Kickapoo Avenue, for the purpose of allowing the establishment of a Short-Term Rental Type 2 pursuant to General Ordinance 6497.

Documents:

1. 2019-153.PDF

17.

Council Bill 2019-154. (Hosmer)

A resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for a Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development Transportation Discretionary Grant from the United States Department of Transportation in the amount of $25,000,000, which requires matching funds of 20 percent from non-federal sources.

Documents:

1. 2019-154.PDF

18.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

19.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

20.

GRANTS.

21.

AMENDED BILLS.

22.

COUNCIL BILLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Citizens May Speak. Not Anticipated To Be Voted On.

23.

Council Bill 2019-155. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 8.4 acres of property, generally located at 3145 South Campbell Avenue, from Planned Development 25, 4th Amendment to HC, Highway Commercial District; establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 175; and adopting an updated Official Zoning Map. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: South Campbell Investments, LLC; 3145 South Campbell Avenue; Z-14-2019 w/Conditional Overlay District No. 175.)

Documents:

1. 2019-155.PDF

24.

Council Bill 2019-156. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning 6.18 acres of property, generally located at the 4900 block of South Campbell Avenue, from R-MD, Medium-density Multi-family Residential District, with Conditional Overlay District No. 152, to O-2, Office District; establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 176; and adopting an updated Official Zoning Map. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission both recommend approval.) (By: A. Daniel Pinheiro; 4900 Block of South Campbell Avenue; Z-15-2019 w/COD No. 176.)

Documents:

1. 2019-156.PDF

25.

FIRST READING BILLS. Citizens May Speak. Not Anticipated To Be Voted On.

26.

Council Bill 2019-158. (Ollis)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute an addendum to the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and School District of Springfield R-12 for the purpose of sharing the costs of a third-party vendor to operate a school crossing guard program for one additional year.

Documents:

1. 2019-158.PDF

27.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

Mr. Bob Hill wishes to address City Council.

Mr. Andrew Hernandez wishes to address City Council.

Ms. Amy Champlin wishes to address City Council.

28.

NEW BUSINESS.

The City Manager recommends the following appointments to the Airport Board: Paige Oxendine and Jay Titus with terms to expire June 1, 2022.

29.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

30.

MISCELLANEOUS.

31.

CONSENT AGENDA – FIRST READING BILLS. See Item #3.

32.

Council Bill 2019-159. (Schilling)

A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the dedication of public streets and easements to the City of Springfield, as shown on the Preliminary Plat of South Campbell Addition, generally located at 3145 South Campbell Avenue, upon the filing and recording of a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with all the terms of this Ordinance. (Staff recommends that City Council accept the public streets and easements.)

Documents:

1. 2019-159.PDF

33.

CONSENT AGENDA – ONE READING BILLS.

34.

CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS. See Item #3.

35.

Council Bill 2019-147. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance approving the sale of real property at 3140 West Lynn Street to Kelly and Chance Bailey for $500.00; authorizing the issuance of a deed for same; and approving a budget adjustment to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget.

Documents:

1. 2019-147.PDF

36.

Council Bill 2019-148. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance approving the sale of real property at 2406 West Elm Street to Panfilo Garcia for $500.00; and authorizing the issuance of a deed for same.

Documents:

1. 2019-148.PDF

37.

Council Bill 2019-149. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance approving the sale of real property at 2444 North Benton Avenue to Trigg, LLC, for $15,100.00; authorizing the issuance of a deed for same; and approving a budget adjustment to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget.

Documents:

1. 2019-149.PDF

38.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

39.

ADJOURN.

Springfield man sentenced to 25 years for leading meth trafficking conspiracy

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.

Christopher A. Jefferson, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 25 years in federal prison without parole. Jefferson, who has two prior state convictions for distribution/delivery of a controlled substance, was sentenced as a career offender due to his prior drug-trafficking convictions. Jefferson owned a car repair business in Springfield.

On Oct. 25, 2018, Jefferson pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy that lasted from Dec. 2, 2016, to Jan. 23, 2018. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized a total of 5.342 kilograms of methamphetamine from various co-conspirators.

Jefferson frequently used women to transport illegal drugs, including large quantities of methamphetamine in vehicles and smaller quantities of cocaine and heroin hidden inside of their vaginas. They were paid to drive to Texas, Arizona, or California to pick up methamphetamine and other drugs and transport them back to Springfield. Several women admitted they made multiple trips to acquire illegal drugs, sometimes in multi-kilogram quantities.

Co-defendant Kathy J. Alexander, 62, of Springfield, was arrested while driving through Amarillo, Texas, on Jan. 11, 2016, with a half-pound of heroin and six pounds of methamphetamine that she was transporting from Arizona to Springfield. Alexander had also been stopped, but not arrested, on Dec. 2, 2014, by law enforcement officers in Oklahoma while she was transporting five ounces of heroin hidden in her underwear. Alexander admitted that she had made 14 drug-transporting excursions, averaging one trip each month, for which she was paid $500 per trip. Alexander pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in federal prison without parole.

Co-defendants Davetta F. Hicks, 31, and Shawn B. Robinson, 48, both of Springfield, were arrested on Dec. 9, 2014, by Kingsville, Texas, police officers. This was their third trip to Texas for Jefferson. Officers found a half-pound of methamphetamine in Hicks’s purse. Hicks admitted that she made three trips to Texas to transport cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to Springfield. Hicks pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. Robinson pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in federal prison without parole.

Undercover law enforcement officers also purchased methamphetamine from Jefferson’s distributors. Undercover officers purchased a total of 115 grams of methamphetamine in six separate purchases, all of which was supplied by Jefferson.

On one occasion, according to court documents, conspirators traveled to California with a large amount of money to purchase methamphetamine. Once in California, they purchased 12 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped to Springfield.

On another occasion, conspirators attached a four-pound package of methamphetamine to the front bumper of their vehicle and drove back to Springfield. During the return trip, however, Maricopa County, Arizona, law enforcement officers arrested them and seized the methamphetamine.

On two occasions, a co-conspirator carried two kilograms of methamphetamine to Springfield aboard a commercial bus.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and COMET (the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdictional Enforcement Team).

Republic man, 37, sentenced to 20 years for attempting to have sex with 14-year-old

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Republic, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for the coercion and enticement of a minor.

Clifford Benjamin Kinkade, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Kinkade to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration, and ordered him to pay $29,417 in restitution to his victim.

On Oct. 9, 2018, Kinkade pleaded guilty to using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to entice a child victim to engage in illegal sexual activity.







According to court documents, Kinkade met the 14-year-old child victim, identified as “Jane Doe,” online through one of her friends. They communicated primarily through text messages and through Kik and Skype. Investigators seized Kinkade’s computer, cell phone, and tablet, which contained messages between Kinkade and the child victim. Many of the messages were sexual in nature, where Kinkade described sexual activities he would like to engage in with Jane Doe and asked her to engage in sexual activity.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kentucky State Police.

Springfield Police searching for missing, endangered man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is investigating a report of a missing endangered person and is asking for assistance from the public.

The missing person has been identified as 79-year-old James E Zeilmann. Zeilmann was last heard from on Monday, June 24, 2019.

Burleson is a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 185 pounds, has grey hair and blue eyes. He could possibly be driving a red 2018 Ford Explorer.

Burleson suffers from dementia and has a history of depression.

Police are seeking to confirm his well-being and do not suspect foul play at this time. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts should call 911 or the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

Springfield Police locate missing juvenile

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 25, 2019, at approximately 4:00 p.m, Springfield Police Officers located 14-year-old Catrionna Robinson at an apartment complex on 940 E. Webster.

Robinson is safe and in good condition. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word.

Ozark teen killed in motorcycle-pickup crash at intersection of Republic and Hillcrest Avenue

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 25th at 02:14 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Republic and Hillcrest Avenue for a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and pickup truck.

A white, 2007 Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 44-year-old William Louque of Springfield, was eastbound on Republic approaching Hillcrest, when it struck a blue, 2000 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, which was turning eastbound onto Republic from southbound Hillcrest.

The intersection is partially controlled with a stop sign at southbound Hillcrest. The driver of the motorcycle, 15-year-old Zane Waszczukage of Ozark, was transported to an area medical facility where he died from injuries related to the crash.

Next of kin has been notified. The investigation is on-going as to circumstances involved in the crash. This is the sixth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield during 2019.

Romanian national pleads guilty to skimming operation at Springfield bank ATMs

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Romanian national, who was arrested at a bank ATM, pleaded guilty in federal court today to charges related to her role in a skimming operating that illegally stole credit and debit card information from bank ATMs.

Loredana Baceanu, 31, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to possessing counterfeit and unauthorized access devices.

Bank officials at Central Bank of the Ozarks in Springfield, Missouri, notified law enforcement on Oct. 12, 2018, of suspicious activity that had occurred at an ATM. The bank’s monitoring software had alerted them to the presence of a skimming device – a small electronic device used to steal credit card information – being placed on their ATM. When a person swipes a credit or debit card through a machine on which a skimmer is attached, the device captures and stores all the details stored in the card’s magnetic stripe. The stripe contains the credit card number and expiration date and the credit card holder’s full name. Thieves use the stolen data to make fraudulent charges either online or with a counterfeit credit card or gift card.

On Oct. 23, 2018, bank officials at Southern Bank discovered unidentified individuals targeting four different ATM locations, withdrawing money from multiple accounts. Bank officials stated that they believed these suspects were using stacks of re-encoded credit cards to facilitate the theft of funds from compromised credit and debit card accounts. Bank officials identified suspect photos at four different ATM locations in Springfield and Nixa, Missouri.

The Nixa branch manager was in the process of filing a police report on Oct. 23, 2018, when Baceanu returned to that branch’s ATM. The Nixa police officer who was taking the report returned to his patrol vehicle and initiated a traffic stop on Baceanu’s vehicle in the parking lot of the bank. Baceanu, who was a passenger in the vehicle, had 49 gift card/credit cards in a concealed pocket within an undergarment she was wearing and $880 concealed in her bra. A micro SD media storage card and a Florida identification card fell from somewhere within Baceanu’s shirt to the ground.

Upon using a card reader, law enforcement learned that the magnetic stripes on all 49 generic gift cards had been re-encoded and counterfeited with different account numbers not original to the gift card. The data on the Micro SD card was the raw data recovered from skimming devices.

Under federal statutes, Baceanu is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Nixa, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

State auditor begins audit of Greene County government

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway today announced her office has begun an audit of the government of Greene County, following a formal request from the county commission earlier this year. In December 2017, Auditor Galloway asked the commission to authorize the audit after a whistleblower complaint alleged improper use of public resources in connection with a ballot issue. The resolution for the audit was approved after the composition of the commission changed this past January.

"I appreciate the county commission, particularly former Commissioner Lincoln Hough and current Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon, for requesting this independent review to ensure taxpayer dollars have been used appropriately," Auditor Galloway said. 

"Once completed, the audit will explain in detail any issues we find and provide recommendations for officials to address them. The citizens of Greene County can be assured my office will conduct this audit with the highest professional standards, as we always do."

In preparation for the start of audit work, the State Auditor's Office has been working with County Administrator Chris Coulter and County Auditor Cindy Stein to ensure the audit can be completed as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Auditor Galloway said citizen input is beneficial to audits, and she encouraged residents with information that might be helpful to contact her office. Individuals who would like to provide information for consideration may contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by calling 800-347-8597. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously online at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

Springfield Fire Department reminds citizens fireworks are illegal

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

The Springfield Fire Department wants to issue a friendly reminder that it’s illegal to possess, manufacture, store, sell, handle or discharge fireworks in the city limits of Springfield. Fireworks safety is the message of the department’s most recent public service announcement, which features a straight-talking firefighter urging citizens to “don’t be a dummy,” about fire safety.

An exception is granted for the use of the fireworks for a public display with a valid permit. Novelty items, described as snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices or glowworms, and some sparklers are allowed, but fire officials recommend using extreme caution when handling them.

“Sparklers burn at temperatures up to 2,000 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries around July 4,” says Fire Chief David Pennington. “Children should be educated on how to avoid injury when using sparklers and should use them only when supervised by adults.”

In addition to causing injuries, data from the National Fire Protection Agency indicates fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires in the U.S, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, 16,900 outside and other fires. More fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year, Pennington says.

The Springfield Police Department and the Springfield Fire Department will enforce the city’s fireworks ordinance (Section 5601.1.3 of the City Fire Code) around the July 4 holiday. Fireworks will be confiscated and you may receive a ticket, which could cost $100-$500.

Fireworks injury statistics
(Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2017 Fireworks Annual Report)
U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks-related injuries.
Fireworks related injuries sustained, 70% male, 30% female.
Children 10-14 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks related injuries.
Body parts most often injured: hands/fingers (31%), head/face/ears (22%), legs (17%), eyes (14%), and arms (6%).
53% of emergency department-treated injuries were burns most common to hands, fingers, arms.
Sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room fireworks injuries.
About two in five fires started by fireworks each year are reported on Independence Day.

Arkansas State Senator Hutchinson pleads guilty to bribery case, accepted bribes from Springfield charity

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western Dixtrict of Arkansas)

Former Arkansas State Senator Jeremy Hutchinson pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kristine G. Baker to accepting multiple bribes and tax fraud in connection with a multi-district investigation spanning the Western and Eastern Districts of Arkansas and the Western District of Missouri.

U.S. Attorney Duane (DAK) Kees for the Western District of Arkansas, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Cody Hiland for the Eastern District of Arkansas and U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Garrison for the Western District of Missouri, made the announcement.

Hutchinson, 45, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was previously a state senator and representative prior to resigning after he was charged in the Eastern District of Arkansas to a 12-count federal grand jury indictment with eight counts of wire fraud and four counts of filing false tax returns.

The indictment alleges that from 2010 through 2017, Hutchinson stole and misappropriated thousands of dollars in state campaign contributions for his own personal use and then filed false federal income tax returns from 2011 to 2014 to conceal his conduct. 

Hutchinson was also previously charged, in a 32-count federal grand jury indictment, in the Western District of Missouri, for his role in a multi-million-dollar public corruption scheme that involved embezzlement, bribes and illegal campaign contributions for elected public officials. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Hutchinson agreed to plead guilty to Count 1 of the Western District of Missouri superseding indictment, charging him with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery; Count 9 of the Eastern District of Arkansas indictment, charging him with filing a false tax return; and to an information filed in the Western District of Arkansas, charging him with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery.

As part of his plea, Hutchinson admitted that he was hired by an unidentified individual as outside counsel, and in exchange for payments and legal work, 

Hutchinson pushed legislation beneficial to that individual. Hutchinson admitted that he was provided legal work to conceal the corrupt nature of his arrangement and that he would have never been hired if not for his position as an elected official. 

Hutchinson further admitted as part of his plea that in 2011, he stole over $10,000 in state campaign funds for his own personal use and also falsified his 2011 tax returns, including failing to report $20,000-per-month-payments he received from one law firm and other sources of income he knowingly and intentionally concealed from his taxes.

Count 1 of the Western District of Missouri superseding indictment, which Hutchinson, pursuant to his plea agreement, is expected to plead guilty to after today’s hearing before Judge Baker, alleges that Hutchinson and other elected officials accepted bribes in the form of monthly legal retainers and other things of value, from employees and executives of Preferred Family Healthcare Inc. (formerly known as Alternative Opportunities Inc.), a Springfield, Missouri-based, healthcare charity. 

In exchange for the bribes, Hutchinson and other elected officials allegedly provided favorable legislative and official action for the charity, including directing funds from Arkansas’s General Improvement Fund (GIF).

“As I have indicated previously, the investigation into the rampant pay to play corruption scheme present in our state capitol is ongoing,’ said the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, Duane DAK Kees, “This plea represents a serious watershed in exposing this use of sham retainers and consulting arrangements to influence the passage of law. The previous pleas and convictions uncovered the use of these arrangements in the distribution of GIF funds, youth lock-up facilities, and Medicaid expansion, but this revelation makes clear that it affected far more than that. The unprecedented cooperation between the two districts of the State of Arkansas, the Western District of Missouri, and the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice has brought the necessary resources to bear to bring this troubling conduct into deserving public scrutiny.”

The multi-district investigation was conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations, and the Offices of the Inspectors General from the Departments of Justice, Labor, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The cases are being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Marco A. Palmieri and Sean F. Mulryne of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Mazzanti and Patrick Harris from the Eastern District of Arkansas; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Wulff and Aaron Jennen of the Western District of Arkansas; and Steven M. Mohlhenrich of the Western District of Missouri.